High tides keep drivers off Volusia Co. beaches

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Parts of Daytona and New Smryna beaches were closed to drivers Monday when an unusually high tide pushed huge waves all the way to the dunes.

"You know only at hurricane times have I ever seen it this high. So it is a little strange seeing it this high," said Maitland resident David Schweitzer.

A few swimmers braved waves and walked in knee-deep, but even hardened surfers didn't want to take the risk in the high tide.

The tides are being driven by a combination of factors: a recent new moon, serious winds and a lack of beach sand, because Hurricane Sandy sucked so much of the sand out to sea as the storm passed last month.

"This past week its nuts. I was out here yesterday too watching it. It's crazy," said seasonal resident Tim Allen.

Once the tides are gone, posted meant to keep car from coming up onto the dunes will have to be replaced, but there will be less sand to plant them in.

WFTV